How to Spot Early Signs of Floor Damage Before It Becomes a Problem

Floor damage doesn’t just suddenly happen in a home. A creaky floorboard, a growing gap or a tile that’s a bit loose might not seem like a big deal at first. But small issues can lead to costly damage and more time-consuming repairs that could be avoided with a simple repair using bonding adhesive from Fix-A-Floor. In this helpful guide, we’re going to cover how to detect early signs of floor damage, along with proactive measures to prevent a bigger repair on your hands.

Why Early Detection Matters

It might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, you may hardly even notice it, but floorboard damage often gets worse with time. Proactive measures are the best way to counteract long-term damage. Not only that, but being proactive about repairing your floors can prevent the need for costly structural repairs, saving you money in the long term.

Damaged floors can also be a safety hazard if left unattended; they can result in slips, falls and even injury. At Fix-A-Floor, we make it easy to sort out loose and hollow tiles with our extra-strength bonding adhesive that is designed to get the job done properly, without a complete overhaul.

Common Early Warning Signs of Floor Damage

Creaking or Squeaky Sounds

• Creaking sounds might seem harmless, but they’re one of the most common signs of floor damage in floorboards and laminate.
• That noise could be a result of subfloor issues, accumulation of moisture, loose adhesive or just poor installation.
• Our helpful guide on ‘How to Stop Laminate Floors From Creaking’ shows you how easy it is to use a bonding adhesive to fix creaky floors.

Gaps Between Floorboards or Tiles

• This can come from wear and tear, natural expansion, the weight of furniture or just changes in temperature.
• If you’re starting to notice floor planks separating, it could lead to damage and weaken a floor's structure.
• The best solution for gaps? Spot them early. With a bit of help from Fix-A-Floor adhesive and a drill, you can target these gaps and bond everything back into place.

Loose or Shifting Tiles

• If you’re starting to notice loose, slightly wobbly or even hollow tiles, the floors in your home may not have been installed properly.
• The adhesive may not have been properly applied or expansion could have caused it to debond from the subfloor.
• A tapping test to listen for a hollow sound when tapping a tile’s surface can help determine if a tile is loose and needs replacing.
• Adhesives, such as Fix-A-Floor, are a great solution to preventing more extensive and costly repairs to your tile floors.

Warping or Buckling

• Often a sign of water damage, poor installation or excessive exposure to moisture.
• If you notice your floorboards are starting to change shape, are slightly uneven or are lifting from the subfloor, it could be a serious concern.
• Solutions include reducing moisture with a dehumidifier or using Fix-A-Floor to re-bond loose sections before they buckle further.
• If damage is excessive, consult a professional.

Soft Spots or Uneven Flooring

• A cause of soft spots and uneven flooring could be due to moisture underneath, sagging floor joists or issues with the subfloor.
• If these problems are ignored, they can worsen drastically over time, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.
• If identified early, Fix-A-Floor can resolve issues with soft spots and uneven flooring by filling gaps and creating a stable bond between the flooring and subfloor. 

How to Perform a Basic DIY Floor Inspection

• Conduct a walk-through test to check for visual signs of loose floorboards or uneven surfaces. Use a moisture meter or damp tester to spot hidden water damage and weak spots underfoot.
• Inspection is key, especially after winter or during changes in humidity, when moisture levels can shift and flooring is more likely to expand, contract or loosen.

Quick Fixes Before It Gets Worse

• We offer bonding adhesives, a tile repair kit, a floor repair kit, a laminate floor repair kit and accessories to restore your floors quickly, without the hassle of costly professional repair.
• Explore our helpful guide on ‘How to Fix a Loose Floor Tile Without Removing It’ for more guidance on repairing your floors.
• Check out our ‘Squeaky Floor Repairs’ for a cost-effective solution for noisy floors.

When to Seek Professional Help

The reason we’re so adamant about being proactive when it comes to your floors is that once damage starts to accumulate, you may need to contact a professional. This can be costly and a major inconvenience for any home. Damaged floors that don’t receive proper attention can lead to severe structural issues, widespread mould or even a rotted subfloor.

As proud as we are of our strong, easy-to-use Fix-A-Floor adhesive for DIY floor repair, we know that some problems are best left to the pros. If you’re dealing with serious warping, discolouration or signs of water damage, it’s a good idea to bring in a specialist to take a closer look.

Preventative Tips to Avoid Future Floor Damage

Now that you’re familiar with how issues can escalate and how to detect early warning signs of floor damage, there are a few more simple things you can do to keep your floors in good shape.
Regular cleaning and light maintenance can stop debris from getting lodged between tiles or boards. Rugs in high-traffic areas help reduce the overall wear and tear of your floors and a good sealant can protect against moisture. These simple proactive measures go a long way in keeping your floor surface stable.

Summary

Spotting floor problems early can be the difference between costly repairs and a quick, stress-free fix. Now that you’re familiar with how to fix floors without replacing them, we can provide you with all the necessary solutions. From bonding adhesives to full repair kits, we’re here to help you sort your floors with ease.